Fernie golf club swings into another season

The Fernie Golf and Country Club is teeing up for another great year. The 18-hole championship golf course has its driving range open, a month later than last year according to the head golfing professional, Michael Van Horne.

“Last year, we had the range open in the middle of February. A little later start this year but more of a normal start,” said Van Horne.

The previous Locals Day has been traded in for the 360 Program.

“The only real change we’ve made is our Locals Day, which was Monday and Tuesday. We have kind of gone away from that and now we are doing a 360 Program, which gives [locals] a discount Monday through Thursday and then on weekends after 1 p.m. It’s 15 per cent off of the posted Green Fee,” he said.

Ladies’ day is Tuesday while Men’s day is Wednesday and Seniors’ day is Thursday, and all will feature different tee times.

“Our ladies day is Tuesday, there are different times during Tuesdays that ladies can come out and play and take part in different events that go on each week. Our Men’s nights are Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” he said. “Once a month, we do a Men’s special with a different type of format – either team format or individual play and Thursdays are Seniors’ days.”

The club will have three pro staff at the course as well as Van Horne.

“We have four this year. Mel [Dies] is obviously going to be here, Kenny Mackey and Adam Chivers are the new assistants,” said Van Horne.

“Usually start is 7 a.m. and tee times will run until the last hour before sundown. Thanksgiving is usually our closing date,” he said.

There is a standard dress code for the course and club.

“A standard dress code is in effect which is regular golf attire for on the golf course. No denim or t-shirts,” he said. “Collared shirts and tailored pants or shorts for guys, for girls, just a skirt or shorts with a golf shirt. If it has a collar, it can be sleeveless; if it’s sleeveless, it has to have a collar.”